Loading and unloading apparatus



B. P. BRATT.

LOADING AND UNLOADING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 13. 1919.

Patented Feb. 10, 1920.

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Patented Feb. 10,1920.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2- B. P. BRATT. LOADINGAND UNLOADING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 13. 1919.

l I I L r provide a the truck may back up BABNEY r. BRATT,

or, BAKER, OREGON.

v LOADING AND UNLOADING APPARATUS.

Toall whom it mag/concern:

Be it'known that I, BARNEY P. BRATT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Baker, in the county of Baker and State of Oregon, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Loading and Unloading Apparatus, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to an improved particularly ofthe single unlt type, and more especially adapted for loading and unloading pianos and the like.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a loading and unloading apparatus [or this kind, which will eliminate the necessity of manually grasping any part 'of the piano, for the purpose of lifting or loading the same on the truck.

A further object of the invention is to single unit loading @and unloading apparatus, especially adapted fo attachment to a motor driven truck, so that against the curb or other suitable place, and the loading and unloading platform lowered, so as to receive a piano or the like. After the platform has received the piano, it may, together with thepiano thereon, be tilted and moved to a horizontal position on the truck by manually operating a crank which has connectlons with the loading and unloading platform.

A further object of the invention is the provlsion of means for holding the loading and unloading platform in differenttilted positions on the truck.

While the design and construction .at resent illustrated and set forth is deemed preferable, it is obvious that as a result of a reduction of the invention to a more practical form forcommercial purposes, the invention may be susceptible to changes, and 45 the right to these changes is claimed, provided they are comprehended within the scope of what is claimed.

The invention comprises further features and combination of parts, as will be hereinafter set forth, shown in the drawings and claimed. D

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of the improved loading and unloading apparatus as applied to a motor driven" truck,-

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed September 13, 1919.

- through a Patented Feb. 10, r920. Serial No. 323,943.

showing the loading" and unloading apparatus tilted in a vertical position in readiness to receive a piano, the piano supporting tracks of the platform of the loading and unloading apparatus ibeing lowered.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing a portion of the motor driven truck, and the loading and unloading platform in a vertical position, with the piano supporting tracks raised and in engagement with the curb of the sidewalk. Y i 'Fig. 3 is a lon 'tudinal sectional view motor driven truck, showing the on the truck, illustrating the piano in dotted lines,,and showing the load of the piano forwardly of. the pivot of the loading and unloading platform.

Fig. 4 is aplan view of the loading and unloading platform.

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of said loading and'unloading platform.

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view the loading and unloading platform.

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional View through the forward portion of the platform, showing the connection and unloading rails or tracks, with the cables 29, illustrating the lag screws.

Referring more ings, 1 designates the supporting frame of the loading and unloading platform, which is mounted on the chassis or frame 2 of the motor driven truck. This frame 1 comprises the lower longitudinal side bars 3, the forward and rear vertical bars 4: and 5, which are connected to the lower longitudinal side bars 3 in any suitable manner. Extending longitudinall of the frame 1 zontal position and connectmg the forward and rear vertiv cal bars l and 5 are the upper side bars 6. A rear transverse bar 8 connects the rear ends of the upper longitudinal side bars 6. The lower part of the frame 1 also has lower forward and rear transverse bars 9. The forward and rear transverse bars 9, and the lower longitudinal side bars 3 are in the form of channel irons, while the upper bars 6 are in the form of angle by insuring a rigid structure. The lower ortions of the rear vertical bars 5 are provided with a pluralityof openings 10 vertically spaced. 9

The loadingand unloading platform comprises the platformproper 11 whlch comespecially to the drawof the carrier loading with a plurality of apertures substantially prises a plurality of transverse boards 12, which are secured together and braced by plates 14 are secured by means of 'bolts'15 to the beams 13. These broad side 'plates 14 extend downwardly, and have a plurality of opemngs or apertures 16. Suitable pivot bolts 17 extend through certain of the regisand 16, thereby pivotally mounting the broad side plates and pivotally supporting the loading and unloading plat-- form. The bolts 17 may be adjusted in'the the loadingand unloading platform according to the proportions of the chassis of the truck at the back of the vehicle seat. The broad depending side plates 14 are provided or openings arranged on an arcuate curve concentric with the pivot pins The rear ends of the side bars of the chassis or' frame of the truck are provided 18. which are I with openings or apertures 19, with which tracks 22.

the apertures 18 are designed to register, that is when the loading or unloading platform is in a vertical or horizontal position. When the loading and unloading platform is in a horizontal or vertical position, or in angular positions between the horizontal and vertical positions, the registering apertures 18 and 19 receive a transverse pin 20, which extends transversely of the. chassis or frame of the truck, thereby holding the loading and unloading platform in various positions, namely those above specified. Vhen the loading and unloading platform is in alvertical position, a piano may be moved adj acent its face, which at that time is facing rear wairdly, so .that the arms and unloading tracks 22, by the platform, may piano. p, The loading and unloading tracks are sub stantially T-shaped in crossrsection, as shown in the drawings, and are mounted in guides 23. 'These guides are secured to the upper face of the platform by means of bolts 24. The under faces 'of the boards of the platform have secured thereto cleats 25, which assist in holding the boards of'the platform rigid.

J ournaled in bearings of the forward ends of the beams 13 of the platform is a transwhich are carried extend under the --verse shaft 26, on which pulleys 27 are fixed.

Guard plates-28 are secured to the ends of the beams 13, and overlie the pulleys, so as to retain the cables 29 in engagement with the pulleys. These cables are connected to the forwardends of the loading and unloading rails or tracks, by inserting the ends of the cables into or through the holes 29- formed in the ends Larger holes 29 are bored or formed from the top faces of the carrier rails, and into which the wires 9f the cables- Broad side over the pulleys 27;

10 and 16 so as to mount 21 of the loading.

ing as of .the carrier rails or I poured into the larger holes adhering to the walls of the holes and the wires of the cables, thereby insuring a secure and neat connection or coupling between the cables and the carrier rails or tracks. These cables 29 pass The cables 29 are in turn wound about and attach as at 32 to a drum 33, the pintles 34 of which are journaled in bearings of the forward vertical bars 4. One end of the drum 33 carries a spur gear 36, which meshes with the gear 37 on a shaft '38, which is also mounted in bearings of the vertical bars 3 of the frame 1. The transverse shaft 38 has a crank 39, which when operated imparts motion to the shaft 38' and the. drum 33, which will cause the cables 29 to wind upon the drum, thereby not only raising the loading and unloading tracks of the platform, but also tilting the platform to a horizontal position on the frame 1 of the truck. The beams 13 of the platform assume positions on the outside of the upper longitudinal side bars 6 of the frame 1, when the platform is in'a horizontal position.

The loading and unloading tracks or rails for carrying the piano are provided with a plurality of openings or apertures 40.

hese-apertures or openings 40 are arranged to accommodate pianos of various sizes. The platform near its forward portion is provided with longitudinally extending slots 41, having their walls provided with metal strips 42- acting as wear plates. Lag screws 44 are designed to engage through the lined slots 41, and also through certain of the openings or apertures '40 of the load ing or unloading carrier ralls or tracks of the platform, and have threads, so as to be threaded into .the rear face of a piano, 1n

order to firmly fasten the piano to the carrier rails 22. The heads of the lag screws preferably, though not frictional members. In other words, these bushings or sleeves prevent frictional bindplatform.

When the tracks or rails are ad usted with relation to the platform, the slide bar 48 may be moved so that itstongues 47 may hese screws protrude far mounted upon.

the tracks or rails are moved on the d engage certain ofthe grooves or notches 46,

which are formed upon the edges of the rails or. tracks, thereby-acting-to hold the railsor tracks in their ad usted positions.

.the lag screws act to "guide the carrier rails or tracks may be engagement with the whereby a piano may be rolled or pushed,

. .tilt the platform After the loading and unloading platform assumes a' horizontal position, further move-' ment of the crank is necessary in which case case, however,

When the tongues 47 are disengaged from cables 29. By means of a suitable wrench applied to the rectangular heads ofthe lag screws, said screws may be adjusted or may be removed so that they may be extended throu lgil other 'of the openings or apertures 40 e lag screws may be adjustedin different positions through any of the apertures or openings 40, to accommodate pianos of various sizes and heights. Furthermore, the rails and allow the carrier rails or tracks to be lowered to various positions, according to the distance between the frame 1 and the pavement or ground, and act to relieve the strain upon the guides or clamps 2.3. For instance,

so that their arms may assume positions considerably below the surface on which the wheels of the truck are supported. If desired, the carrier rails or tracks, for loading andunloading pianos that their arms 21 may assume positions in curb of the sidewalk,

with its back adjacent the loading and unloading platform, with the arms 21 directlyunder the piano.

When the piano is so disposed, and the loadingiand unloading platform is in a verbeimparted totical position, motion may the drum by operating the crank, which will to a horizontal, position.

the drum will be rotated, and the carrier rails or tracks will be moved forwardly, hence positioning the load of the piano forwardly'of the pivotsof the loading and unloading platform. When unloading the piano or other article, the pin 20 is first removed, then the piano is moved rearwardly on the loading and unloading platform, until the weight'or load of the piano will overbalance the platform. By applying back pressure upon the crank, the platform may be allowed to slowly tilt to. a vertical position, and subsequently allow the rails or tracks to lower, in which case the piano Wlll bein a vertical position, either upon the ground or upon the sidewalk. 'In either the salesman may demonstrate the various advantages of the piano, while in this position, in order to convince the purchaser of the instrument before the same is carried intothe house.

The rear portions of the carrier rails or tracks .ride upon supporting pulleys 45, which are journaled in suitable bearings of ,the platform.

. The loading and unloading carrier rails h 65 or tracks are provided with grooves 46 on adjusted with a truck frame, of

may be adjusted, so

' able carrier rails,

V their edges, to receive the tongues 47, which are carried by a bar 48. A lever 49 is pivoted at 50 and has a pivotal connection as at 51 with the bar 48, so that by oscillating the lever 49, the tongues 47 may be withdrawn from the notches or grooves-of the rails or tracks, so that the rails or tracks may be adjusted in different positions.

Pivotally mounted at the auxiliary frame is a of which is designed to engage the teeth of the spur gear, so as to hold the drum indifferent adjusted positions, whereby the platform may be held in different angular posi-' tions, so that the supporting pin at the rearmay be inserted.

The invention having been set forth, what is claimed as new and useful is:

1. In a loading and unloading apparatus for pianos and the like, the combination an auxiliary frame mounted upon the truck frame, pivota-lly fulcrumed on the auxiliary frame, and adapted to assume horizontal o-rvertic-al positions relatively to the auxiliary frame,' 'said platform having able carrier rails or "tracks having right angle extending arms, adapted to engage un-' der the piano hen the platform is in a vertical position, and means carried by the auxiliary frame and having connections with the tracks or rails, for raising the same, and tilting the platform to a horlzontal po- 'sition on the auxiliary frame.

2. Ina loading an unloading apparatus for pianos and the like, the combination with a truck frame, of an auxiliary frame thereon, a loading and unloading platform adjustablefpivotally on the auxiliary frame,

said platform having longitudinally movarms adapted to engage under a piano, when the railslare lowered, while the platform is in a vertical-position, and a Windlass mechanism having cable connections with the rails for raising the rails vertlcally on the platform "while in a vertical posltion,

- whereby the platform maybe subsequently tilted to a horizontal position on the aux- 1 iliary frame.

3. In a loading and unloading apparatus I for pianos and the like, the combination with a truck frame, of an auxiliary frame thereon, a 'loadin and unloading platform adjustable pivota y on the auxiliary frame, said platform -having longltudmally movable carrier rails, arms adapted to engage under a plano, when the rails are lowered, while the platform is in a vertical position, and a Windlass mechanism having cable connections with the rails for raising the rails vertically on the latform while in a vertical position, w by the platform may be subsequently t lted to a horizontal position on the auxlhary 52 on the side of dog 53, the nose 54 a platform longitudinally 'mov-' said carrier rails havingsaid carrier rails having hereiliary frame.-

and adaptedto n flongitudinally movable carrier.rails, having under the piano is '1 holding the carrier thereon, a loading and unloading platform longitudinally frame, and means for holding the platform in difierent pivotal positions on the aux- 4. In a loading-and unloading apparatus for pianos and the like, the combination witha truckframe, of an auxiliary frame thereon, a loading and unloading platform pivotally fulcrumed on the auxiliary frame assume either a vertical or horizontal position, said platform having pivotally fulorumed on the auxihary frame and adapted to assume either a vertical or horizontal position, said platform having movable carrier rails, having means at their rear ends adapted to engage under the piano when the platform is in a vertical position, means connected to the rails for raising them and tilting the platform to a horizontal position, and means for holding the carrier rails in different adjusted positions relatively 'to the platform, and means for holding the platform in different angular positions intermediate the horizontal and vertical positions relatively to the auxiliary frame.

6. The combination with a truck frame, of an auxiliary frame thereon, a platform pivotally mounted upon the auxiliary frame iliary frame, said rails in different ad-' and adapted to assume vertical or horizontal positions. and angular positions relatively to theauxiliary frame, means including cables for tilting the platform froma vertical position to a horizontal position on the auxplatform havinggui-des, loading and unloading carrier rails mounted in said guides of the platform and having their rear ends provided with right angle extending arms, adapted to engage under the piano, the carrier rails being connected to the cables, whereby upon operating said cables,'the rails may be raised and the platform subsequently tilted to a horizontal position. i f

7. The combination with afltruck frame, of an. auxiliary frame thereon, a platform pivotally mounted upon the auxiliary frame and adapted to assume vertical orhorizontal positions and angular positions relatively to the auxiliary frame, means including cables for tilting the platform from a vertical position to ahorizontal position on the auxlliary frame, said platform having: guides,

loadlng and unloading carrierrails mountedm said guides of the platform and having their rear ends provided with right angle extendingrarms, adapted to engage under the piano, the carrier rails being connected to the cables, whereby upon operating said cables, the rails may be raised and the platform subsequently tilted to a horizontal position, and means for holding rails in different positions relatively to the platform, so as to accommodate pianos of different sizes.

In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix my signature.

BARNEY P. BRATT.

the carrier 

